GER. What can it be? Worse than what his son has done! I am sure I
don't know what anyone can do more wrong than that; and to marry
without the consent of one's father is the worst thing that I can
possibly imagine. [Footnote: No exaggeration, if we consider that
this was said two hundred years ago, and by a French father.]




SCENE III--GERONTE, LEANDRE.

GER. Ah, here you are!

LEA. (_going quickly towards his father to embrace him_). Ah!
father, how glad I am to see you!

GER. (_refusing to embrace him_). Stay, I have to speak to you
first.

LEA. Allow me to embrace you, and....

GER. (_refusing him again_). Gently, I tell you.

LEA. How! father, you deprive me of the pleasure of showing you my
joy at your return?

GER. Certainly; we have something to settle first of all.

LEA. But what?